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San Francisco 49ers: 10 players who have a lot to prove in 2019

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Defensive End Solomon Thomas

After two years at the pro level, it’s pretty clear 2017 first-round draftee Solomon Thomas hasn’t lived up to the expectations given to a player selected No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft.

Granted, Thomas was used out of position in year one. In year two, Thomas was dealing with a personal tragedy involving his sister’s suicide, which he admitted affected his game play significantly.

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Year three, however, could wind up being a make-or-break season — the campaign in which the 49ers either admit the mistake and move on, or try to maximize what has been an underwhelming return so far.

It partially explains the logic behind bringing aboard defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who has been tasked with getting the most out of Thomas this offseason. Yet with a deep crop of other first-round defensive linemen — DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford, Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa — Thomas’ prospects for securing defensive snaps will be tough, at best.

Thomas is one of those players who’ll need to solidify a starting role right away during offseason programs, essentially cementing himself in as a three-down player and someone capable of maximizing the pass-rushing numbers, which haven’t been there the past two seasons.

Perhaps this is the year in which it all comes together for Thomas, hopefully. If it doesn’t, though, the Niners may be inclined to officially move on.